The new Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova Michael Scanlan said that he will take all the necessary measures to identify a pragmatic solution to the Transnistrian conflict during his tenure. He made the statement in a meeting with President Nicolae Timofti, IPN reports, quoting a communiqué of the presidential press service.

“During my tenure, I will take the necessary measures to identify a pragmatic solution to the Transnistrian dispute, by respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and by offering a special status to the Transnistrian region. I think the small-steps policy will contribute to building confidence between the two banks of the Nistru River,” stated Michael Scanlan.

Nicolae Timofti noted that the reunification of Moldova is a strategic priority for the official Chisinau. “We are open for reaching a reasonable compromise by granting a specula status to the Transnistrian region within Moldova,” he said.

The head of state underlined that the advantages of the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU will benefit both the residents and the economic entities of Transnistria. “In our dialogue with the Transnistrian leaders, we always provide these arguments, but the authorities of the region oppose any action aimed at bringing the two sides of the Nistru closer,” stated Nicolae Timofti.

He expressed his concern about the cases of violation of human rights in Transnistria and voiced hope that the parties involved in the conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format will intensify their efforts so as to identify durable political solutions to the dispute.